Food Inspection Intern - Region 3 (College)

Internships with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offer a dynamic chance for students to immerse themselves in the world of agriculture while contributing to our mission of fostering, safeguarding, and advancing agricultural practices across the Commonwealth. This hands-on experience not only enhances your understanding of public service but also equips you with essential skills that can pave the way for your future career post-graduation. If you are passionate about making a difference and eager to build your professional portfolio, we encourage you to submit your application today!

In this internship, you will play a vital role in implementing the summer food program for children organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, focusing on essential sanitation and food safety practices. Your responsibilities will include performing initial sanitation inspections and follow-up inspections as needed at various feeding sites contracted by the Department of Education, with the requirement to compile and submit detailed reports to the Regional Food Safety Supervisor or Program Specialist. Additionally, you will be tasked with collecting, packaging, and dispatching food samples, ensuring that at least one sample of milk and one sample of meat are sent to the Food Safety Laboratory in Harrisburg for analysis. You will also provide support to regional food safety personnel during inspections of facilities associated with seasonal events. Furthermore, your role may involve assisting with various food sampling and surveying activities, which could include the collection of milk and water samples, as well as participation in ongoing sampling projects as needed.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time internship that will run from 5/1/2025 through 8/29/2025
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Physical location of internship position: Inspection work in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. Position will be home headquartered if applicant lives in one of these counties. If applicant does not live in one of these counties, the state vehicle will be parked in one of these counties and they will be expected to be at their state vehicle at the start of their work shift.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• Current full-time enrollment in a bachelor's degree or advanced degree program in one of the following acceptable majors:
  • Food Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Animal Science
• An approved major course of study at an accredited college or university.
• Freshman year completed.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher)
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment at a Pennsylvania college or university

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid Class C non-commercial driver's license.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).